Epicattleya Rene Marques x Brassavola Cucullata

Epicattleya Rene Marques is a showy hybrid between Epidendrum pseudepidendrum and Cattleya Claesiana, known for its striking blooms — often green petals with broad pink-to-magenta lips and sometimes a sweet fragrance and Brassavola cucullata is a species orchid from Central & South America with slender leaves and typically white-to-cream flowers that can be fragrant at night and have a unique, somewhat elongated floral form.

Crossing these gives an orchid that:

• Is epiphytic — meaning it naturally grows on trees or bark rather than in traditional soil.

• Shows traits from both parents: possibly long slender leaves (from Brassavola-like heritage) with larger, colorful blooms influenced by Epicattleya.

• Often has a striking floral display and attractive foliage, appealing to collectors and hobbyists.

🌿 Light

• Provide bright, indirect light — similar to what Cattleyas and Brassavolas like.

• Too much direct, hot sun can scorch leaves, while too little light can reduce flowering.

• Bright east or dappled south/west light is usually ideal.

💦 Watering & Humidity

• These orchids like a wet-dry cycle: water thoroughly, then let the potting mix dry slightly before watering again.

• They don’t tolerate being constantly soggy, which causes root rot.

• Aim for moderate to high humidity (around 60–75%) with good air circulation around the roots.

• Brassavola types especially appreciate humidity and benefit from occasional misting or a humidity tray.

🌡️ Temperature

• • Warm-growing orchid conditions suit it best:

    • Daytime: ~21–27 °C (70–80 °F)

    • Night: slightly cooler (~15–18 °C / 59–65 °F)

  • These fluctuations (warm days, cooler nights) often help induce flowering.

🪴 Growing Medium & Potting

• Use a well-draining orchid mix, such as chunky bark with some sphagnum moss, charcoal, or coarse perlite.

• Good drainage is critical because these orchids are epiphytes and their roots prefer air circulation.

• Clay or bark baskets / slabs are great options if you want them more “natural” (mounted) — especially for the Brassavola side.

🌱 Fertilizing

• Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) diluted to about half strength.

• Apply during active growth (spring/summer) every 1–3 weeks.

• Reduce feeding in a rest period (often winter).

• Periodically flushing the potting mix with plain water helps prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.

🌼 Flowering

• Blooms often appear late winter to early spring (but this can vary with conditions).

• A healthy plant in good light can produce multiple long-lasting flowers on an arching spike.

📍 Common Tips

• • • Avoid overwatering — that’s the most frequent mistake with epiphytic orchids.

    • Check roots regularly: healthy roots are firm and light-colored; rotting roots are soft/dark.

    • Repot only when the medium breaks down or roots overtake the container.

Plants on offer: 2-3 stems, 10-20cm rooted. Shipped potted or mounted.

Flowering size. May or may not currently have flowers/buds.

Have a look at our other available orchids!